A Reason This Team Will Go Far In the Next Couple Years

[callitwhatyouwant]

Looking back at some video from 4 nations. One of the best things that happened was the fight sequence between Canada and USA. The Tkachuk brothers started the noise. Then, when we thought we would get some hockey, USA and JT MIiller get a little too close for comfort on Binner in net. It's the first real hockey play of the game and it's charging the goalie with the whole crew.

And who drops the mits? The Saint himself Colton Parayko. Literally the nicest hockey player of all time says you don't eff with my Blues goalie. That's my guy. I think what we saw after 4 nations was the locker room of the Blues coming together. I don't think its a coincidence that those 2 had success, came back and brought their leadership along with Thomas big time heater.

There is a lot of hope for fun hockey coming up. You have National team players littered throughout the lineup. Fowler was a dog, Thomas Parayko Binner. Bouchy would be on their team if it was allowed. This team has great diversity and a super good youthful cast. But that 4nations and Parayko defending OUR goalie was a huge sign that the Blues have something special going.

[Lets_Clinch]

Yeah, call me a kool-aid guy. I don't really give a ratz (bleep). A healthy Dylan Holloway wins the Blues 2 series. While it was a horrible way to get eliminated, they shouldn't have even been there. I would rather it have happened when it did, than when expectations were much greater for this team and these fans. Last season was probably one of my favorites if not favorite seasons ever for the Blues. It reminded me so much of 2019 which unfortunately my Mother-In-Law was on hospice during the playoffs, and passed during the SCF, so no parade for me and just a bit bittersweet for me. I love the offseason moves and the youth on this team and in the wings. It's going to be really fun if Monty grows this culture, and I believe he can and will.

[hockey jedi]

I've been a Blues fan since 1967. I can easily state that the Blues have never had this kind of organizational depth. We are trending up. The Blues will be regular attendees in the playoffs for many years. We deserved to make the playoffs last year. It wasn't a fluke. The Blues played really good hockey for two months. I agree Lets Clinch. With a healthy Holloway, we win two playoff series. We should have won one series without him. These weren't one goal games. We spanked Winnipeg in our three wins. He added a dynamic that we didn't have in the playoffs.

[Old_Goat]

I've been a Blues fan since 1967. I can easily state that the Blues have never had this kind of organizational depth. We are trending up. The Blues will be regular attendees in the playoffs for many years. We deserved to make the playoffs last year. It wasn't a fluke. The Blues played really good hockey for two months. I agree Lets Clinch. With a healthy Holloway, we win two playoff series. We should have won one series without him. These weren't one goal games. We spanked Winnipeg in our three wins. He added a dynamic that we didn't have in the playoffs.

I agree re organizational depth history. The foolish trades, the Shenahanegan tampering and hiring & giving Keenan so much power in the early 1990s set us back 20 years. It didn't help that the two most recent ownership groups before our current were not committed nor astute. The continuity and professional knowledge of our current management throughout the organization is showing.
It's a good time to be a Blues fan.

[DawgDad]

Yeah, I've been following the Blues since the beginning, too. I also experienced "not committed nor astute" ownership with the Thrashers. All these years have taught me that as a fan you cheer on your team but you need to enjoy the sport regardless, because you have no control over the outcomes. The turnaround and winning streak and the playoffs last season was a wonderful gift from the team. My heart broke like everyone else's when the late goal went in, but the game wasn't over. That was great sports, two teams battling toe-to-toe, winner take all. The whole thing conjured memories of game 7 vs the Stars in 2019. For you younger guys, these are lifelong memories.

You all know how upset I get with the anti-Army trolls. They represent everything wrong in this sporting commentary arena. That doesn't mean I worship Army, not at all, but he has proven to be about as good as GM as you can ever expect to have. As for the team, anxiously looking forward to the new season. The only expectations I hold are the team competes hard for a playoff spot. LGB!

[a smell of green grass]

Everything is so peachy in Blues land...

You know that Bolduc jersey that you have? Goodwill is open today at 10 am.

I would tell you what to replace it with, but Army is keen on using our prospects to get what we will never get in the draft -- because you need a TOP5 for that. Maybe get your new jersey with the name "Trade Bait" on it. That guy will be around for the next 10 for sure.

[Harry S Deals]

For me it's the style of play they can reach in the playoffs. They knocked the (bleep) out of the Jets and that nearly propelled them into the next round. Super gritty, lots of skill they skate and they have a goalie. This grit will be enhanced as Tucker and Mailloux get going Blues fans are going to be very excited and if Carbonneau is what I think he is wow

[Phil Roberto fan]

I've been a Blues fan since 1967. I can easily state that the Blues have never had this kind of organizational depth. We are trending up. The Blues will be regular attendees in the playoffs for many years. We deserved to make the playoffs last year. It wasn't a fluke. The Blues played really good hockey for two months. I agree Lets Clinch. With a healthy Holloway, we win two playoff series. We should have won one series without him. These weren't one goal games. We spanked Winnipeg in our three wins. He added a dynamic that we didn't have in the playoffs.

I'm also a fan since 1967 (saw Ron Schock score the Double OT winner to go to the Cup Finals) and I agree this is the deepest team ever put together. I am cautious in my expectations for the coming season - so many teams improved this off-season. Hoping the Blues stay healthy and we get to see how this depth plays out. I couldn't be more excited for the coming season.

[Red7]

For me it's the style of play they can reach in the playoffs. They knocked the (bleep) out of the Jets and that nearly propelled them into the next round. Super gritty, lots of skill they skate and they have a goalie. This grit will be enhanced as Tucker and Mailloux get going Blues fans are going to be very excited and if Carbonneau is what I think he is wow

This is the first time Mailloux and grit have ever been used in the same sentence. 13x’s the opposition scored in the last minute of a period or game in 24-25. The Blues needed another Tyler Tucker. They acquired Tanya Tucker instead.

[Hazelwood72]

Everything is so peachy in Blues land...

You know that Bolduc jersey that you have? Goodwill is open today at 10 am.

I would tell you what to replace it with, but Army is keen on using our prospects to get what we will never get in the draft -- because you need a TOP5 for that. Maybe get your new jersey with the name "Trade Bait" on it. That guy will be around for the next 10 for sure.

I don’t have a players name or number on my Blues jerseys.

To paraphrase Bob Plager: “I root for the crest on the front”.

[Harry S Deals]

For me it's the style of play they can reach in the playoffs. They knocked the (bleep) out of the Jets and that nearly propelled them into the next round. Super gritty, lots of skill they skate and they have a goalie. This grit will be enhanced as Tucker and Mailloux get going Blues fans are going to be very excited and if Carbonneau is what I think he is wow

This is the first time Mailloux and grit have ever been used in the same sentence. 13x’s the opposition scored in the last minute of a period or game in 24-25. The Blues needed another Tyler Tucker. They acquired Tanya Tucker instead.

Lol Tanya Tucker you're and idiot get more hockey knowledge then come back

https://www.hockeyfights.com/players/n30862

Rob Ramage and the Habs Atlantic beat writer disagree with you

[BudOnTap]

Everything is so peachy in Blues land...

You know that Bolduc jersey that you have? Goodwill is open today at 10 am.

I would tell you what to replace it with, but Army is keen on using our prospects to get what we will never get in the draft -- because you need a TOP5 for that. Maybe get your new jersey with the name "Trade Bait" on it. That guy will be around for the next 10 for sure.

That pivot from worrying about which jersey kids would be buying to everyone all of a sudden having a bolduc one sure happened fast, you dork.

[TheHighHat]

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but let's temper our enthusiasm a little bit here boys.

If we insist on bringing up the Holloway injury, we must bring up these facts regarding the Jets in that playoff series:
Their 1C missed 2 games including game 7
Their 2nd best winger played only 2 games and had 1 assist
Their 3rd best winger played only 3 games and was scoreless
Their top d-man only played 2 minutes in game 7
Their goalie had a .830 save % in the series

How did we lose that series?

I think some here are vastly overrating our current roster.
We still have several holes and question marks like most of the teams in the league.
We're still a few years away from having our deepest roster assuming a few more of our prospects back fill the holes.

We also can't overrate our prospect pool.
Sure, it seems like the deepest that many have ever seen it. However, a lot of teams have similar if not deeper and better prospects.
Our group was recently ranked only 15th by a prospect publication.

We have to make the playoffs first.
The legacy contenders (Edmonton, Vegas, Dallas, and Colorado) should all still make the playoffs even though they all have question marks and in the case of Dallas, major depth issues.

The other recent playoff teams (Winnipeg, LA, and Minnesota) also have their issues and are not locks to make it in 26.

Teams like Utah, Anaheim, and Seattle all have an interesting mix of youngsters and veteran players and are on the come.
I predict that 2 of these 3 teams will make the playoffs in 26.
Cooley looks like a future stud 1C for Utah.
Anaheim and Seattle both have 2 good young centers that need to take the next step up to lead their teams to the playoffs.
Utah and Seattle both have veteran d-men groups.

I look for Calgary to fall back this year.
They'll most likely trade Andersson.
I also expect Kadri and Coleman to be traded at some point during the season after Conroy realizes the playoffs are out of reach.

Top 3 centers are so important and typically separates the big dogs from the puppies.
How will the west shake out?

Top Tier
C. McDavid
L. Draisaitl
A. Henrique
* RNH will probably be forced to play the wing because of cap issues.

J. Eichel
T. Hertl
W. Karlsson

R. Hintz
W. Johnston
M. Duchene
--------------------------------------------------------------
Depth Drop Off
N. MacKinnon
B. Nelson
R. Colton

A. Kopitar
Q. Byfield
P. Danault

R. Thomas
B. Schenn
P. Suter

M. Scheifele
J. Toews
V. Namestnikov

M. Rossi
J. Eriksson Ek
R. Hartman
--------------------------------------------------------------
Just About There
L. Carlsson
M. McTavish
R. Strome

L. Cooley
B. Hayton
J. McBain

M. Beniers
S. Wright
C. Stephenson

[Old_Goat]

For me it's the style of play they can reach in the playoffs. They knocked the (bleep) out of the Jets and that nearly propelled them into the next round. Super gritty, lots of skill they skate and they have a goalie. This grit will be enhanced as Tucker and Mailloux get going Blues fans are going to be very excited and if Carbonneau is what I think he is wow

This is the first time Mailloux and grit have ever been used in the same sentence. 13x’s the opposition scored in the last minute of a period or game in 24-25. The Blues needed another Tyler Tucker. They acquired Tanya Tucker instead.

Lol Tanya Tucker you're and idiot get more hockey knowledge then come back

https://www.hockeyfights.com/players/n30862

Rob Ramage and the Habs Atlantic beat writer disagree with you

You are correct. Ramage has emphasized his physicality, effort, compete. He quite possibly knows more about the Canadiens' youngsters' makeup and mentality than anyone else. That's what his job with them is all about. And other writers, scouts have also pointed it out. Sure, he's young needs to make better decisions consistently, but that will come with experience.

[a smell of green grass]

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but let's temper our enthusiasm a little bit here boys.

If we insist on bringing up the Holloway injury, we must bring up these facts regarding the Jets in that playoff series:
Their 1C missed 2 games including game 7
Their 2nd best winger played only 2 games and had 1 assist
Their 3rd best winger played only 3 games and was scoreless
Their top d-man only played 2 minutes in game 7
Their goalie had a .830 save % in the series

How did we lose that series?

I think some here are vastly overrating our current roster.
We still have several holes and question marks like most of the teams in the league.
We're still a few years away from having our deepest roster assuming a few more of our prospects back fill the holes.

We also can't overrate our prospect pool.
Sure, it seems like the deepest that many have ever seen it. However, a lot of teams have similar if not deeper and better prospects.
Our group was recently ranked only 15th by a prospect publication.

We have to make the playoffs first.
The legacy contenders (Edmonton, Vegas, Dallas, and Colorado) should all still make the playoffs even though they all have question marks and in the case of Dallas, major depth issues.

The other recent playoff teams (Winnipeg, LA, and Minnesota) also have their issues and are not locks to make it in 26.

Teams like Utah, Anaheim, and Seattle all have an interesting mix of youngsters and veteran players and are on the come.
I predict that 2 of these 3 teams will make the playoffs in 26.
Cooley looks like a future stud 1C for Utah.
Anaheim and Seattle both have 2 good young centers that need to take the next step up to lead their teams to the playoffs.
Utah and Seattle both have veteran d-men groups.

I look for Calgary to fall back this year.
They'll most likely trade Andersson.
I also expect Kadri and Coleman to be traded at some point during the season after Conroy realizes the playoffs are out of reach.

Top 3 centers are so important and typically separates the big dogs from the puppies.
How will the west shake out?

Top Tier
C. McDavid
L. Draisaitl
A. Henrique
* RNH will probably be forced to play the wing because of cap issues.

J. Eichel
T. Hertl
W. Karlsson

R. Hintz
W. Johnston
M. Duchene
--------------------------------------------------------------
Depth Drop Off
N. MacKinnon
B. Nelson
R. Colton

A. Kopitar
Q. Byfield
P. Danault

R. Thomas
B. Schenn
P. Suter

M. Scheifele
J. Toews
V. Namestnikov

M. Rossi
J. Eriksson Ek
R. Hartman
--------------------------------------------------------------
Just About There
L. Carlsson
M. McTavish
R. Strome

L. Cooley
B. Hayton
J. McBain

M. Beniers
S. Wright
C. Stephenson

This is grading centers at a point in time only. It doesn't reflect the duration component which is important. The more consistent the lineup, the better prepared you are to win a Cup. Team play improves the more time that the team plays together.

If "duration" were factored in, where would the Blues be with their approach of constantly-changing personnel at Center?

[a smell of green grass]

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but let's temper our enthusiasm a little bit here boys.

If we insist on bringing up the Holloway injury, we must bring up these facts regarding the Jets in that playoff series:
Their 1C missed 2 games including game 7
Their 2nd best winger played only 2 games and had 1 assist
Their 3rd best winger played only 3 games and was scoreless
Their top d-man only played 2 minutes in game 7
Their goalie had a .830 save % in the series

How did we lose that series?

I think some here are vastly overrating our current roster.
We still have several holes and question marks like most of the teams in the league.
We're still a few years away from having our deepest roster assuming a few more of our prospects back fill the holes.

We also can't overrate our prospect pool.
Sure, it seems like the deepest that many have ever seen it. However, a lot of teams have similar if not deeper and better prospects.
Our group was recently ranked only 15th by a prospect publication.

We have to make the playoffs first.
The legacy contenders (Edmonton, Vegas, Dallas, and Colorado) should all still make the playoffs even though they all have question marks and in the case of Dallas, major depth issues.

The other recent playoff teams (Winnipeg, LA, and Minnesota) also have their issues and are not locks to make it in 26.

Teams like Utah, Anaheim, and Seattle all have an interesting mix of youngsters and veteran players and are on the come.
I predict that 2 of these 3 teams will make the playoffs in 26.
Cooley looks like a future stud 1C for Utah.
Anaheim and Seattle both have 2 good young centers that need to take the next step up to lead their teams to the playoffs.
Utah and Seattle both have veteran d-men groups.

I look for Calgary to fall back this year.
They'll most likely trade Andersson.
I also expect Kadri and Coleman to be traded at some point during the season after Conroy realizes the playoffs are out of reach.

Top 3 centers are so important and typically separates the big dogs from the puppies.
How will the west shake out?

Top Tier
C. McDavid
L. Draisaitl
A. Henrique
* RNH will probably be forced to play the wing because of cap issues.

J. Eichel
T. Hertl
W. Karlsson

R. Hintz
W. Johnston
M. Duchene
--------------------------------------------------------------
Depth Drop Off
N. MacKinnon
B. Nelson
R. Colton

A. Kopitar
Q. Byfield
P. Danault

R. Thomas
B. Schenn
P. Suter

M. Scheifele
J. Toews
V. Namestnikov

M. Rossi
J. Eriksson Ek
R. Hartman
--------------------------------------------------------------
Just About There
L. Carlsson
M. McTavish
R. Strome

L. Cooley
B. Hayton
J. McBain

M. Beniers
S. Wright
C. Stephenson

This is grading centers at a point in time only. It doesn't reflect the duration component which is important. The more consistent the lineup, the better prepared you are to win a Cup. Team play improves the more time that the team plays together.

If "duration" were factored in, where would the Blues be with their approach of constantly-changing personnel at Center?

And then factor in the dearth of Center prospects in their pipeline. The Blues know way too little about who will call themselves a Center 2 years from now.